Program Advisor

USAC is a nonprofit universityaffiliatedstudy abroad organization headquartered on the campus of the University of Nevada Reno. Since 1982 USACs vision isa world where differences are appreciated and respected. Our mission is toinspire international learning and engage global citizenship through affordable culturally authentic academic experiences. USAC has provided opportunities for students to gain the knowledge skills and attitudes necessary to succeed in the global society of the 21st century. USACsends students to study abroad in more than 50 programs around the world.

USACs success is a product of our staff both in the U.S. and abroad. We are committed to recruiting and retaining the best and seek highenergy individuals who believe in the importance of international education and enjoy working in a fastpaced environment. The ideal candidate is a selfstarter with an entrepreneurial spirit who is looking to work for an organization that values diversity.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Program Advisoracts astheU.S./centralofficebasedUSACprogram expert and isresponsible for preparing students to study abroadin a particular location. This includes advising on topics ranging from visa traveland culture tospecificprogram detailssuch as housing. The Program Advisorprimarilyworks directly with students parents onsite staff host university staffand on occasion domesticU.S.universities fromthe time of thestudentsacceptanceinto the programthrough return.Most of the responsibilities refer to predeparture advising.The positionis focused on preparing the student for the study abroad experience managing expectations and accuracy providing excellent customer serviceaddressingissues and solvingproblems creatively and in a timely manner.The position requiressignificant crossdepartmental collaborationacross USAC followthrough and results for their individual responsibilities and the departmentandorganizationas a whole. This position requires strong verbal and written communication with customers of diverse backgrounds andwho havea variety of international experiencesas well as regular communication with program staff abroadandCentral Office staff. In addition theProgramAdvisor is responsible for additional projects as assigned.

POSITION TYPE & EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a fulltime exempt position and will be paid on a salary basis. The office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and may fluctuate or additional work hours may be required.Weekend and evening work hours may also be required.

GENERALRESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstratea deep knowledgefamiliarityand enthusiasmfor assigned programs and programlocations
• Overallgeneralknowledge of all USAC programs processes and the organization as a whole

• Predeparture: advise prospective and enrolled USAC students and parents on multipleassignedprograms (approximately610abroadprograms)
• Provide advising/informational support toCentral Office staffabout relevantprograms
• Communicate withprogram staffabroadoroccasionallystudentsonceabroad
• Act as program expertwithin theCentralOfficeand central point of knowledge for your programs(to multiple audiences or sources of questions)
• Create edit and distributeto studentsin various mediumsall predeparture advising materials in a timely and accurate fashion including documents regarding housing visa arrival flight calendars host university guidescultureetc.

• Accurately and punctually facilitate and input data for student forms related to thedepartment
• Monitor and maintain thorough knowledge of all visa trends and procedures for assigned programs and ensure all students receive a visa if necessary including facilitating and submitting accurate and timely group visa materials as it pertains to assignedprograms
• Liaise with a student travel agency affiliated withUSAC
• Collaborate with programspecific teams made up of staff from variousdepartments
• Monitor studentenrollment/engagementprogressbefore departureand proactively discuss potential cancellations with programteam

• Collaborate with colleagues throughout USAC as well as studentsand parents; serve as a member of crossdepartmental committeesasnecessary
• Show interpersonal and communication skills (includingin writingpublicspeakingand presentations) topresent information to diverse groups of students parents staff faculty and administrators in a variety ofsettings
• Launch input and discuss program evaluations (from students)for assignedprograms
• Help prepare and participate in USAC promotional and advising events (currently virtual)
• Identify and show initiative in addressing problems collaborativelyquicklyand appropriately within the department interdepartmentally and program teams on short and longterm organizational/departmental goals when theyarise

• Take initiative to suggest and implement strategies for departmental improvements when possible and follow through producing positiveresults
• Demonstrate strong communication skills and effective problemsolvingskills
• Demonstrate excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate information both independently and for the program team anddepartment
• Exercise a high degree of independence and judgment in solving problems makingdecisionsand completing projects based on existingpolicies
• Selfdirect assigned work and any unassigned duties and responsibilities

• Seek out opportunities to provide students with more indepth information in an easily digestible mannerin order toensure the most successful study abroadexperience
• General reception duties required such as answering the mainphonelineasneeded
• Work with other advisors to delegate createorganizeand implement ideas to ensure special projects arecompleted
• Be a member of the crisis management team in case ofemergency
• Special projects asassigned

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors degreeandtwoyearsof relevant work experienceorMastersdegree and one yearexperience
• Significant experience living studying or working abroad.

REQUIREDQUALIFICATIONS&SKILLS

Demonstration in application materials and interview of the following competencies typically acquired through aBachelorsdegree and twoyears of relevant experience or aMastersdegree and one year of relevant experience:

• Effectiveproblemsolvingskills and good decision quality; resultsoriented; strong organizational abilities; ability to manage multiple priorities and effectively prioritize; customer focus which includes students facultystaffand external partners; composure in stressful situations; and strong interpersonal and communication skills.Adaptabilityfollowthroughand resourcefulness. Detailoriented ability to adjust to changing conditions in ahighpressure situation.Experience working with diverse groups and with college students or similar populations. Experience working well in a teamenvironment. Ensure professional demeanor in all activities and interactions.Computer operation in word and data management.
• Prior experience advising; working within an organization/office setting; and addressing international student/parent needs andissues
• Previous experience working in international or higher education preferably in a study abroadoffice
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Foreign language skills are helpful but not required.
• USAC alumnus
• No visa sponsorship; must be able to work legally in the U.S.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Currently this position is hybrid working both remote and in person at the USAC Advising Center on the University of Nevada Renos campusin Reno Nevada. This position will require the employee to have their own working computer and reliable internet access.The inpersonduties of this job are mainly performed in a regular office environment with occasional small trips outdoors. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit stand and walk throughout the building. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision color vision peripheral vision depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

BENEFITS

University Studies Abroad Consortium offers a comprehensive benefits package to include: Medical Dental Vision Life and LTD along with a generous 401(k) retirement plan. On the first day of employment the employee is eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan.In addition employees have the following paid leaves: sick annual and 12 company holidays.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume the employment application three references and a cover letter summarizing why you think you would excel at this position through BambooHR.

Selection Procedure

Review of Application:After submission the application will be reviewed to determine if it is complete and if the qualifications are met. It is essential that applications include detailed information regarding education and experience to enable evaluation of the application.

Interview Process:Only the most qualified applicants will be considered for an interview. The interview process may include an initial panel interview followed by subsequent assessments in order to determine suitability for employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University Studies Abroad Consortium is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity as a core value. We support equal access and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds experiences abilities and perspectives. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process please send a request

Required Experience:

Manager